This Easy Shrimp Stir Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in no time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. The shrimp are quickly sautéed to perfection, and then tossed with a medley of colorful vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, and bell peppers. The sauce, made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, lime juice, and a hint of brown sugar, coats everything in a delicious, savory glaze. This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete meal that’s healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor. Plus, it only requires a few basic ingredients, so it's easy to whip up on the fly!
This Easy Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, it comes together in no time and is packed with flavor. The shrimp are perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender, while the colorful vegetables add crunch and freshness. The sauce ties everything together, making it a dish your whole family will love.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 pounds shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup snow peas: Add a crunchy texture and a mild sweetness to the stir fry.
- 6 mushrooms, sliced: Earthy and meaty, mushrooms add depth to the dish.
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced: Adds a pop of color and a mild sweetness that complements the shrimp.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a rich, garlicky flavor.
- 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped: Adds a zesty kick and brightens the overall flavor.
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil: Used to cook the shrimp and veggies, ensuring they don't stick to the pan and stay tender.
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Provides a rich, umami flavor that complements the shrimp.
- Juice of 1 lime: Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the sauce.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds tanginess and a light acidity.
- 1 1/2 tsp brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce just enough to balance the savory flavors.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat the shrimp and vegetables evenly.
- 1 tbsp water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth sauce.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS EASY SHRIMP STIR FRY
- Quick and Simple: This stir fry comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with vibrant vegetables and juicy shrimp, it’s a healthy, fresh option that’s full of flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the veggies or even swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, making it versatile for various preferences.
- Flavorful Sauce: The sauce is a delicious blend of soy, lime, and garlic with a hint of sweetness, bringing everything together in a savory, tangy glaze.
- Light and Satisfying: It’s the perfect balance of light yet satisfying, leaving you feeling full without the heaviness of more indulgent meals.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicier version of this dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the shrimp for tofu or a mix of mushrooms for a vegetarian take on this stir fry.
- Low-Carb Swap: Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some cashews or peanuts at the end for an added crunch and a bit of nutty flavor.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, lime juice, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Set the sauce aside.
- Step 2:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set them aside.
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Add the snow peas, sliced mushrooms, and orange bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Step 5:
- Stir in the prepared sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the vegetables.
- Step 6:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure the shrimp are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Step 7:
- Serve the shrimp stir fry immediately with steamed rice for a complete and delicious meal.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- For a light and refreshing twist, serve the stir fry over a salad with a drizzle of extra sauce on top.
- This dish is perfect for meal prepping—prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time and combine them with fresh veggies for a quick, ready-to-eat meal during the week.
Helpful Notes
- If you like your stir fry spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
- You can easily swap the vegetables based on what you have on hand—broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini are all great options for this stir fry.
- If you don’t have shrimp, this recipe works well with chicken or tofu as a substitute. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: "Always ensure your shrimp are perfectly cooked—don’t overcook them, as they will become tough. A quick 2-3 minutes is all you need."
- Chef Jamie Oliver: "Using fresh ginger and garlic really elevates the flavor of a stir fry. Don’t skip these simple ingredients—they add so much to the dish."
- Chef Rachael Ray: "If you want to keep things simple, make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It makes weeknight meals even faster!"